Government awards Barnet band Skinny Lister £14,000 to take act overseas

A Barnet band has been awarded £14,000 to take their act overseas as part of a government initiative to support Britain’s musicians.

Trade minister, Lord Livingston, announced Skinny Lister is one of 14 successful acts in the second round of the Music Export Growth Scheme.

Skinny Lister, whose supporting label is based in Barnet, hope the money will allow them to play to audiences in the US.

Daniel Heptinstall, Skinny Lister’s lead singer, said: “This funding comes at a pivotal moment for Skinny Lister, allowing us to build on the groundwork we’ve established in the US.

“Every penny counts and touring in the US is expensive, but we have a fan base who want us back, so thanks to the Music Export Scheme and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) we can keep together and keep on touring and growing.”

The Music Export Growth Scheme has been established by UKTI and the British Recorded Music Industry to help independent music companies promote their artists overseas as part of wider government efforts to get 100,000 businesses exporting.

Lord Livingston said: "The British music industry is a global success story. From The Beatles to Adele to Mumford & Sons, Britannia rules the airwaves and sells more records around the world than almost any other country.

“This exporting strength brings jobs and economic growth to the UK and the Music Export Growth Scheme lets up-and-coming British artists up the tempo on the international stage.”